SEDL / STP / STP1417-EB / STP11095S



Propagation of Non-Planar Fatigue Cracks: Experimental Observations and Numerical Simulations

Riddell, WT
US DOT/Volpe National Transportation Systems Center, Cambridge,MA

Ingraffea, AR
Baum Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Cornell University, Ithaca,NY

Wawrzynek, PA
Cornell Fracture Group, Ithaca,NY


Pages: 25    Published: Jan 2003


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Source: STP1417-EB


Abstract

Two types of mixed-mode fatigue crack growth tests are described. Experimental observations of non-planar fatigue crack growth are compared with numerical predictions from the computer code, FRANC3D. In these analyses, the evolution of crack shape is not assumed a priori. The code predicts evolving fatigue crack shapes and fatigue crack growth rates based on linear-elastic mixed-mode stress intensity factor distributions along the evolving crack fronts. The simulations are shown to result in accurate crack front shape predictions, and to predict overall fatigue crack life in a reasonable and/or conservative manner.


Keywords:
three-dimensional, non-planar, mixed-mode, fracture mechanics, fatigue life, experimental, numerical, fatigue crack

Paper ID: STP11095S
Committee/Subcommittee: E08.05
DOI: 10.1520/STP11095S
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